Sr. UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Researcher

Company: We Are Rosie (Client: Leading Quick-Serve Restaurant Brand)

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Contract

Category: User Experience Research / Digital Customer Experience Operations

Date Posted: August 20, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (7-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in-office, Tuesdays & Thursdays)

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Digital Customer Experience (CDX) team in executing critical research initiatives for Menu Transformation and Membership Program Evolution.

• Conduct a range of user research studies, including usability testing, interviews, surveys, and observational studies, to gather actionable insights.

• Synthesize complex research data into clear, concise, and impactful findings for design, product, and engineering teams.

• Champion user-centric design principles by effectively communicating research outcomes and advocating for customer needs.

• Operate within a dynamic, hybrid work environment, requiring a proactive and adaptable approach to research execution and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is UX Research, its application within a quick-serve restaurant brand's Digital Customer Experience team positions it firmly within the operational framework of customer engagement and digital product development. This role requires operationalizing research insights to drive tangible improvements in customer-facing digital platforms, aligning with GTM and customer success objectives. The focus on "executing research studies" and "synthesizing findings" indicates a hands-on operational role within the research function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute comprehensive user testing and usability studies across both web and mobile digital platforms to identify areas for improvement and validate design hypotheses.

• Independently conduct user research leveraging diverse methodologies such as in-depth interviews, targeted surveys, and observational studies to capture nuanced user behaviors and preferences.

• Synthesize raw research data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations, translating complex findings into easily digestible formats for design, product management, and engineering stakeholders.

• Actively participate in the validation of design solutions by presenting concepts and prototypes to target customer segments, ensuring solutions meet user needs and business objectives.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and engineers, to ensure research findings are integrated into the product development lifecycle and inform strategic decisions.

• Develop and maintain high-quality research documentation, including detailed summaries, comprehensive reports, and compelling presentations that effectively communicate research outcomes and their implications.

• Support discovery efforts for major digital transformation initiatives, specifically Menu Transformation and Membership Program Evolution, by identifying key user needs and pain points.

• Advocate for the user by championing user needs and research insights throughout the organization, fostering a user-centric culture within the CDX team and beyond.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize the operational execution of research activities, including the end-to-end process from study design and execution to synthesis and stakeholder communication. The focus on "validating solutions with customers" and "informing product decisions" highlights the direct impact of this research role on operational product development and customer experience improvements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field is typically expected for senior-level UX research roles.

Experience: 7-10 years of dedicated, hands-on experience in User Experience (UX) research, with a strong track record of independently executing and synthesizing research studies.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional Listening & Problem Identification: Demonstrated ability to actively listen to stakeholders, discern underlying problems, and translate vague requests into concrete research plans and objectives.

• Independent Research Execution: Proven capability to independently plan, conduct, and manage various user research methodologies (e.g., usability testing, user interviews, surveys, observational studies).

• Synthesis & Insight Generation: Strong analytical and synthesis skills to derive clear, actionable insights from qualitative and quantitative research data.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings and recommendations effectively to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.

• Stakeholder Management: Experience working effectively with product teams, designers, and engineers, particularly in situations where stakeholders may be less experienced in partnering with researchers.

• Adaptability & Autonomy: Comfort and proven ability to operate effectively in environments with minimal formal process and structure, demonstrating self-direction and proactive problem-solving.

• Familiarity with Agile Methodologies: Experience working within agile development environments and adapting research processes to support iterative product development cycles.

• Platform Proficiency: Experience conducting research on both web and mobile platforms.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the quick-serve restaurant or broader hospitality industry.

• Familiarity with digital menu platforms and loyalty/membership program structures.

• Experience with specific UX research tools for usability testing, survey creation, and data analysis.

• Experience supporting discovery phases for new product initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "working with product teams who may not always know exactly what they need from research" and "turning vague directions into concrete research plans" highlights the need for a proactive, operational mindset in translating business needs into research activities, a key differentiator for senior operations-focused roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Research Lifecycle Management: Showcase end-to-end research projects, from defining research objectives and selecting methodologies to executing studies, synthesizing findings, and presenting actionable recommendations.

• Methodology Diversity: Include examples of various research methods employed (e.g., usability testing, in-depth interviews, surveys, card sorting, diary studies) and explain the rationale for choosing each method.

• Insight-Driven Impact: Clearly articulate how research insights directly influenced product decisions, design iterations, or strategic direction, quantifying impact where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion times, increased user satisfaction scores).

• Stakeholder Collaboration Examples: Illustrate instances where research findings were effectively communicated and integrated into cross-functional workflows, demonstrating collaboration with product managers, designers, and engineers.

• Handling Ambiguity: Present case studies that highlight your ability to navigate ambiguous project requirements and define clear research plans from vague initial requests.

Process Documentation:

• Research Plan Development: Examples of well-structured research plans that clearly outline objectives, target participants, methodologies, timelines, and key research questions.

• Synthesis & Reporting Templates: Showcase templates or examples of synthesized research findings and final reports that are clear, concise, and actionable for product and design teams.

• Validation Frameworks: Demonstrate how you have developed frameworks or processes for validating design solutions with users post-implementation or during iterative development.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX researcher role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating operational capability in research execution and impact. The emphasis on "hands-on execution" and "synthesizing findings" means the portfolio should focus on how research was done and what the tangible outcomes were, rather than just theoretical knowledge.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80 - $85 per hour (USD)

Benefits:

• Contract Duration: 6-month contract with a high likelihood of extension through 2027, providing significant project continuity.

• Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, offering a full-time engagement.

• Professional Development: Opportunity to work on major transformation initiatives impacting millions of customers and collaborate with experienced researchers for mentorship.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience with a leading quick-serve restaurant brand undergoing digital innovation.

• Potential for Full-Time Conversion: While a contract role, the significant extension likelihood suggests potential for future opportunities within the client organization or through We Are Rosie.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid schedule requiring in-office presence on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Atlanta, GA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is provided as an hourly rate for a contract position. Research into contract UX Researcher rates in Atlanta, GA for individuals with 7-10 years of experience suggests this range is competitive and aligns with market standards for specialized contract roles. Factors influencing this range include the project's duration, the critical nature of the initiatives (Menu Transformation, Membership Program Evolution), and the required blend of technical research skills and stakeholder management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Quick-Serve Restaurant (Client), Marketing & Talent Solutions (We Are Rosie)

Company Size: We Are Rosie partners with over 200 of the world's biggest brands and agencies. The client is a "leading chain quick-serve restaurant brand."

Founded: We Are Rosie was founded in 2018. The client's founding date is not specified but is implied to be established given its "leading chain" status.

Team Structure:

• Digital Customer Experience (CDX) Team: This role is embedded within the CDX team, which is focused on enhancing customer interactions through digital channels.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The researcher will work closely with designers, product managers, and engineers, indicating a matrixed and collaborative team structure common in agile product development.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, senior researchers often report to a Research Lead, UX Manager, or Director within the CDX or product organization. The presence of "another Senior UX Researcher" suggests a small, focused research function supporting the larger team.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Approach: The company culture is described as "obsessed with delivering differentiated customer service" and "hospitality is built into their brand," indicating a strong focus on customer experience.

• Agile Environment: Familiarity with agile environments is a requirement, suggesting iterative development processes, frequent collaboration, and adaptive planning.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role's emphasis on synthesizing research findings and informing product decisions underscores a commitment to using data and user insights to guide strategy and execution.

Company Website: [We Are Rosie Website URL: https://wearerosie.com/], Client's website not specified but implied to be a major QSR brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided by We Are Rosie's mission ("redefine how marketing works, with an inclusive, human-centric approach") and the client's brand focus ("category-leading customer experiences," "obsessed with delivering differentiated customer service") suggests an environment that values user advocacy and operational excellence in customer engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Researcher position, indicating a level of autonomy and expertise. It involves not just executing research but also translating stakeholder needs into research plans and synthesizing findings into actionable strategies for product development. This level requires strong self-direction and the ability to influence without direct authority.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report into a UX Research Lead or Manager within the client's Digital Customer Experience (CDX) team. Collaboration will be with peer researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's work directly impacts the operational success of digital products by ensuring they meet user needs, improving usability, and driving customer satisfaction. Insights generated will inform product roadmaps, feature development, and overall digital strategy, contributing to enhanced customer acquisition, retention, and loyalty – key operational metrics for a restaurant brand.

Growth Opportunities:

• Major Initiative Impact: Contribute to significant, high-visibility projects (Menu Transformation, Membership Program Evolution) that will have a direct impact on millions of customers and the brand's digital future.

• Mentorship & Skill Development: Work alongside experienced researchers, offering opportunities for mentorship, learning advanced research techniques, and refining synthesis and presentation skills.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Develop a deeper understanding of product management, design processes, and engineering challenges within a large-scale consumer brand.

• Industry Specialization: Gain specialized expertise in UX research for the quick-serve restaurant sector, a valuable niche within the broader consumer market.

• Potential for Extended Contract/Full-Time: The high likelihood of extension suggests a stable engagement and potential for further opportunities within the client organization or through We Are Rosie.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Professional Growth Opportunity" section in the original listing directly informs this analysis, highlighting key areas for career advancement and skill enhancement relevant to operations and product development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment.

Office Location(s): Atlanta, GA. Specific office details are not provided, but the requirement for in-office presence on Tuesdays and Thursdays indicates a physical workspace is available and utilized for collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: Tuesdays and Thursdays are designated for in-office work, suggesting these days are structured for team meetings, collaborative design sessions, workshops, and in-person brainstorming critical for research integration.

• Tools & Technology: While specific tools aren't listed, a Sr. UX Researcher role typically involves access to standard UX research software (e.g., for usability testing, surveys, prototyping review, collaborative whiteboarding). The role requires familiarity with web and mobile platforms.

• Dynamic Atmosphere: The context of a "leading chain quick-serve restaurant brand" undergoing "major transformation initiatives" implies a fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving work environment.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with a hybrid arrangement requiring specific days in the Atlanta office. This structure allows for focused work at home and collaborative engagement in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, with specific in-office days, suggests a deliberate approach to balancing remote flexibility with the operational need for in-person collaboration and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a call with a We Are Rosie recruiter to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the client's hiring manager (likely within the CDX team) and potentially peer researchers or key stakeholders to evaluate research expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. This stage will heavily scrutinize your approach to handling ambiguity and stakeholder management.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your work, showcasing specific case studies that demonstrate your ability to execute research, synthesize findings, and drive impact. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects.

• Potential Skills Assessment/Case Study: Depending on the client's process, there might be a short take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual case study exercise to assess your approach to a specific research problem.

• Final Round: May involve meeting with senior leadership or key cross-functional partners to ensure alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, your research objectives, the methodology used, your role, the key insights derived, and most importantly, the impact of your research on the product or business outcomes. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Showcase Ambiguity Navigation: Select at least one project where you faced significant ambiguity or vague requirements and detail how you proactively defined the problem and scope.

• Demonstrate Synthesis Skills: Clearly illustrate how you moved from raw data to actionable insights. Use visual aids like synthesis matrices, affinity diagrams, or journey maps to show your process.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively partnered with designers, product managers, and engineers, and how your research influenced their work.

• Tailor to Initiatives: If possible, highlight any relevant experience with menu optimization, customer loyalty programs, or digital transformation in consumer-facing industries.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "How would you approach researching X feature for the membership program?" or "A product manager wants to understand why users aren't completing checkout. How would you design a study to find out?"

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you handle pushback, conflicting stakeholder opinions, or situations where research findings are not immediately welcomed.

• Process Definition: Practice articulating how you would establish research processes in a less structured environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "working with minimal structure," "figuring things out independently," and "stakeholders who are still learning how to partner with researchers" means interviewers will be looking for evidence of proactive problem-solving, self-sufficiency, and strong interpersonal skills in your portfolio and interview responses.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Usability Testing Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar for conducting remote and moderated/unmoderated usability tests.

• Survey Tools: Platforms such as SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms, or Typeform for designing and distributing surveys.

• Qualitative Data Analysis: Software or methods for analyzing interview transcripts and open-ended survey responses (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, or manual coding techniques).

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Tools like Miro, Mural, Figma, or Google Workspace for collaborative synthesis, ideation, and presentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/Mobile Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar to understand user behavior metrics that complement qualitative research.

• Data Visualization: Proficiency in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel/Google Sheets for presenting quantitative data alongside qualitative findings.

• Presentation Software: Mastery of tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating impactful research reports and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or customer data platforms can provide context for user segmentation and understanding customer journeys within the broader business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While direct "operations" tools are not central, the effective use of UX research tools is the operational backbone of this role. Proficiency in these tools, and the ability to leverage data from analytics platforms, demonstrates operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Advocacy: A core value will be championing the user's needs and ensuring their voice is heard throughout the product development process, driving operational decisions that prioritize customer satisfaction.

• Data-Driven Impact: Decisions are expected to be informed by research data, with a focus on measuring the impact of research on key business and operational metrics.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Working effectively across design, product, and engineering teams, fostering open communication and transparent sharing of insights.

• Adaptability & Agility: Embracing a dynamic work environment, adapting research approaches to meet evolving project needs and timelines within an agile framework.

• Proactive Problem Solving: A culture that encourages individuals to identify potential issues, define solutions, and take initiative, especially in less structured environments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires deep collaboration with design, product management, and engineering teams, acting as a bridge between user needs and technical implementation.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: Contributing to a culture of continuous feedback, where research findings are shared early and often to inform iterative design and development cycles.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share research methodologies, findings, and best practices with team members and stakeholders to elevate the overall research maturity of the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Key Success Factors" and "Professional Growth Opportunity" sections in the original listing provide strong clues about the desired cultural fit, emphasizing independence, comfort with ambiguity, strong synthesis, collaboration, and patience with less experienced stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: The primary challenge will be working in an environment with "minimal structure" and "vague directions," requiring the ability to define research problems and methodologies independently.

• Stakeholder Education: Partnering with stakeholders (product managers, designers) who may be new to rigorous UX research requires patience, strong communication, and the ability to demonstrate the value of research findings effectively.

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: In a fast-paced agile environment, balancing the need for thorough research with the demand for quick insights and validated solutions will be crucial.

• Synthesizing Diverse Initiatives: Juggling research for two major, distinct initiatives (Menu Transformation and Membership Program Evolution) requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Research Impact: Directly influence major customer-facing initiatives that are critical to the brand's future success, providing a high level of professional satisfaction and visibility.

• Mentorship from Senior Researchers: Opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, refining research techniques, synthesis strategies, and stakeholder management skills.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Deepen understanding of customer behavior and operational challenges within the quick-serve restaurant industry.

• Digital Transformation Exposure: Gain hands-on experience with large-scale digital transformation projects, a highly sought-after skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" and "Key Success Factors" sections directly highlight the operational difficulties and opportunities inherent in this role, such as navigating ambiguity and stakeholder education.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to define a research plan from very vague requirements. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses ability to handle ambiguity and operationalize vague needs.)

• "How do you approach synthesizing research findings to ensure they are actionable for design and product teams?" (Tests synthesis skills and ability to translate data into operational guidance.)

• "Imagine a product manager is resistant to your research findings. How would you handle that situation?" (Evaluates stakeholder management and communication skills.)

• "Walk us through a challenging usability test you conducted. What made it challenging, and how did you ensure valid results?" (Probes technical execution and problem-solving during research.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on menu transformation and membership program evolution for a quick-serve restaurant brand?" (Assesses motivation and industry interest.)

• "How do you adapt your research approach when working with teams that have less experience with UX research?" (Reveals understanding of stakeholder education and collaboration.)

• "Describe your ideal hybrid work environment and how you ensure productivity and collaboration on your in-office days." (Tests understanding of hybrid work dynamics.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the research process, key findings, and the impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as a framework.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your research (e.g., "Research led to a 15% increase in task completion rates" or "Identified pain points that informed a redesign resulting in a 10% decrease in support tickets").

• Be Prepared for "How": Interviewers will ask about how you did things. Be ready to detail your methodology choices, participant recruitment process, data analysis techniques, and synthesis methods.

• Showcase Independence: Highlight instances where you took initiative, self-directed your work, and solved problems independently, aligning with the role's requirement for autonomy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating operational capability, particularly in handling ambiguity, influencing stakeholders, and translating research into actionable product development strategies, which are core to senior operations-focused roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Select 2-3 of your most impactful UX research projects that demonstrate your ability to execute studies, synthesize findings, and drive product decisions, particularly those involving ambiguity or stakeholder education. Tailor your presentation to highlight these specific skills.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 7-10 years of UX research experience, highlighting specific methodologies used, platforms worked on (web/mobile), and instances of independent work and synthesis. Use keywords like "Usability Testing," "User Interviews," "Synthesis," "Stakeholder Management," and "Agile."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, especially how you handle ambiguous requests and collaborate with less experienced stakeholders. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to problem-solving, autonomy, and communication.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with We Are Rosie's mission and values, and research general trends in the quick-serve restaurant industry's digital customer experience. Understand the operational importance of menu transformation and membership programs for such brands.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.